TheCable

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the killing of 16 military personnel in Delta state.

The personnel — comprising a lieutenant ​colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers — were killed on Thursday while on a “peacekeeping mission” in Okuoma community in Delta state.

They had reportedly responded to a distress call after a communal clash between the Okuoma and Okoloba communities in the state.

In a statement on Sunday, PANDEF said the incident is unacceptable and must be fully investigated.

“The National Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Elder Statesman, Chief Dr EK Clark,OFR, CON has received with shock and total condemnation the killing of senior military officers and soldiers at Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta on Saturday, 14th March, 2024,” the statement reads.

“The elder Statesman is personally pained by the fact that this occurred barely two days after he had spoken with the Commander Officer of 181 battalion in connection with preparations for the burial of his younger brother, Colonel Bernard Clark (retired), who was buried just on Friday, 15th March, 2024.

“This dastardly act is totally unacceptable and must be fully investigated.

“There must be no sacred cows, the culprits must be brought to book as early as possible. PANDEF mourns the slain military personnel and commiserates with all the families and the entire Nigerian Army.”

The body said the army and other security personnel around the country should continue with their great national service to the country and not be deterred by the development.